John Stirling Interview

Why did you create T2M Resources Inc?

It’s time to make a difference. I believe the combination of increasing awareness of environmental issues at the grass roots level (i.e., a market) and promising technology (i.e., solutions) create an opportunity to make a difference that is economically viable. The number of environmental challenges is almost overwhelming but these must be matched by opportunities for mitigation and improvement. By connecting the right people, technology, and projects, we can be proud of the difference that we can make.

How did you meet your partner in T2M Resources?

Glenn Smith and I met in 1998 when I joined the board of a power generation technology startup where Glenn was VP Marketing (and later COO). In 2000 when I joined the startup as VP Corporate Development and CFO, we began working closely together to recruit staff, support financing activities, develop and manage budgets for the Department of Energy, prepare the company for investor due diligence, and develop business and technology strategy. We kept busy! We worked through some challenging times and learned to both trust and respect each other and how to have a little fun along the way!

How did you get started in consulting?

As a young aircraft engineer working for United Airlines, I began helping small suppliers solve engineering and production issues. When I arrived at UCLA to begin my MBA, I discovered that people made careers out of what I had been doing and called it management consulting! So after graduating, I joined Deloitte & Touche Management Consulting (aka Deloitte Consulting, Deloitte) and consulted for seven years to high technology, aerospace, health care, and utility companies. Prior to founding T2M, I developed and ran my own consulting practice focused on project management for three years. I enjoy meeting new people and working with them to help them move their organizations forward and reach their goals.

How do you see the North American market evolving?

I agree with Glenn that Europe is clearly ahead of North America in terms of developing markets and incentives for sustainable resource development. However, North America is well-positioned to catch up through technology innovation (there are many, many people working on sustainable solutions) and the very large size of its integrated market. I believe that this sustainable sector represents a new wave of growth for forward thinking economies. I am excited to be part of realizing this potential.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I want to make a direct, measurable difference and this is the best way I know to achieve that goal. It also offers the opportunity to work with motivated people with strong ethics across a dynamic and varied landscape. It is fun to help people- whether it is connecting them to career opportunities or supporting their financing needs to grow their business – and I always learn something new.

What other interests do you have?

My wife, Kristy, and I enjoy trying to keep up with our three daughters who are always active in soccer, gymnastics and school events. We also play soccer together and are each coaching a daughter’s soccer team. I also like to ski and play golf (not nearly enough to talk about handicaps). I am a Volunteer Sergeant in the 78^th Fraser Highlanders (York Garrison in Toronto) so you can ask me how some Scottish rebels saved England from the French in Canada.